The Carolinas - Fishing question

I am new to the fishing game. I am in the stages of learing what baits to use what rods, line, things like that. Is there anywhere I could go to get some more good advice besides here? (no offense THT). Any magazines or other web sites I can look at? Thanks in advance. :thumbsup: :tht_rulez:

Here are some options for learning how to fish saltwater...alot depends on whether you want to fish inshore, midshore, or offshore. Some may not be options for you...but this is how I learned the little that I know. These are not necessarily in order of importance. I just made the list and things came to me.

Someone should write a Saltwater Fishing Primer. It might do well.

1. Fish with an experienced fisherman. Ask a lot of questions. Good fisherman usually love to talk and show off their knowledge. Find a fishing mentor. I had several...thank you Bob Thompson, Billy Pope, Bill Dupree, and Bill Kenan.
2. Read THT. Learn to use the Search feature effectively
3. Hang around other people that fish saltwater. There will be no shortage of "fish talk". Ask a lot of questions. Marinas are great places for this. Introduce yourself and make as many fishing friends as you can. Be a "marina rat".
4. Attend a local Saltwater Sportsman's Saltwater Fishing Seminar.
5. Subscribe to a magazine like Saltwater Sportsman (or any others out there) and focus on the relevant articles.
6. Fish as much as possible and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques
7. Read as much as you can about your boat, navigation, boating safety, maintenance. This makes the fishing experience much more relaxing.
8. Buy tackle, rods, reels at local tackle shops (at least initially). The advantage is that the purchase usually comes with invaluable advice from an experienced saltwater fisherman. Example would be Captain Joe Shute at Atlantic Beach. Trust them...they usually know what they're talking about.
9. "Google" any topics you are interested in. While THT is the best place for fishing information in my opinion, there are other sites out there. Captain Stanman has a great site with a lot of valuable information.
10. Go to boat shows...

Spring Fever - 4/3/2007 9:05 PM

Here are some options for learning how to fish saltwater...alot depends on whether you want to fish inshore, midshore, or offshore. Some may not be options for you...but this is how I learned the little that I know. These are not necessarily in order of importance. I just made the list and things came to me.

Someone should write a Saltwater Fishing Primer. It might do well.

1. Fish with an experienced fisherman. Ask a lot of questions. Good fisherman usually love to talk and show off their knowledge. Find a fishing mentor. I had several...thank you Bob Thompson, Billy Pope, Bill Dupree, and Bill Kenan.
2. Read THT. Learn to use the Search feature effectively
3. Hang around other people that fish saltwater. There will be no shortage of "fish talk". Ask a lot of questions. Marinas are great places for this. Introduce yourself and make as many fishing friends as you can. Be a "marina rat".
4. Attend a local Saltwater Sportsman's Saltwater Fishing Seminar.
5. Subscribe to a magazine like Saltwater Sportsman (or any others out there) and focus on the relevant articles.
6. Fish as much as possible and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques
7. Read as much as you can about your boat, navigation, boating safety, maintenance. This makes the fishing experience much more relaxing.
8. Buy tackle, rods, reels at local tackle shops (at least initially). The advantage is that the purchase usually comes with invaluable advice from an experienced saltwater fisherman. Example would be Captain Joe Shute at Atlantic Beach. Trust them...they usually know what they're talking about.
9. "Google" any topics you are interested in. While THT is the best place for fishing information in my opinion, there are other sites out there. Captain Stanman has a great site with a lot of valuable information.
10. Go to boat shows...

I'm also fairly new to the saltwater thing....sounds like some pretty good advice. Thanks :thumbsup:

There's also another fishing site for NC Waterman that has good info.

One last thing...if you do go by yourself, please don't forget to give someone on land your float plan. Nothing like wondering where your buddy is and all he said was "I'm going fishing offshore a little ways"....:(

Make sure all your safety equipment is in good working order (life rafts, flares, vhf radio, etc.)

If you are in the Wilmington area, I would highly recommend Bug-em-bait. Lloyd Eastlack runs the store and he was a charter captain for many years. He has great gear, lots or advice for inshore and offshore fishing, plus he is an all around great guy.